Ben Pasternak comes from a family where food was more than a livelihood—it was a way to care for others. His grandparents, Holocaust survivors, ran a small grocery store in Richmond, Virginia, and grew fruits and vegetables they shared with the community—often giving produce directly to nursing homes and people experiencing homelessness. That practical generosity became a defining family value.

Ben’s father continued the tradition, using food to support others in quiet, consistent ways. For Ben, that legacy sparked a career spent rethinking how food is made, shared, and scaled.

Over the past two decades, he’s worked with chefs, food scientists, and business leaders to challenge outdated models in the food industry. Through Defiant Food Group and AuraPea, Ben is focused on creating better, more efficient ways to feed people—by producing products that are both nutritionally impactful and operationally smarter for kitchens and institutions.

He believes the food system is overdue for change—not just in how food tastes or looks, but in how it’s sourced, prepared, and delivered. Defiant is built around that idea: applying technology, culinary discipline, and a systems approach to solving real problems across the supply chain.

Ben leads with a clear vision: make better food more accessible. It’s not about nostalgia or idealism—it’s about building something that works better for everyone involved.